Image by Kamloopsthisweek
Lac Du Bois Grasslands, Kamloops, BC
Lac Du Bois Grassland is a protected area located in Kamloops, BC. It is one of the best places for fishing, hiking, and bird watching activities. It has a complex geology and mixture of grassland; this location has many small lakes and hidden ponds.
Lac Du Bois is a protected area and fulfills the vital conservation role by representing the Thompson Basin and Northern Thompson upland ecosystem. We can also see various species on this grassland like California bighorn sheep, black bear, and rattlesnake. It is a wonderful spot for birdwatchers and there are a variety of endangered bird species, such as Burrowing Owls within the confines of the reserve.
Lac Du Bois Grassland is a protected area and provides the opportunity for birdwatching for visitors. The grasslands are home to many bird-of-prey, such as hawks, eagles, and falcon. It also supports a great variety of food choices for the large raptors; the wide expanse of the open grasslands makes it easy for them to spot and catch their food.
Image by Kamloops Hiking Club
Foreshore Raven Trail, Salmon Arm, BC
Salmon Arm, BC is a great place to discover various bird species for the avid birdwatcher. The area is home to many rivers, lakes, and marshland. Each Spring and Fall, this watery landscape brings many different species of migratory birds, who use the shores as a stop-over on the way to their destinations. Over 300 sightings of various bird species have been recorded in the area over the years, all within a 30 km. radius of Salmon Arm. The area attracts approximately 63% of all bird and waterfowl species within BC, so bring your binoculars, camera, because you will never know what you will see.
Bird species you might find in the area are too numerous to mention and can range from Loons, Western Crebes (pictured right), Eagles, Hawks, and much, much more.
To give you the best opportunity to catch of glimpse of some of the wonderful bird species in the area, this point on the Birdwatcher’s Circle Tour takes you to the hub of Salmon Arm Bay Nature Trails and Interpretive Center, located by the Salmon Arm Wharf in Salmon Arm, on the Shuswap Lake.
On Your Way – Be sure to check out DeMille’s Farm Market while you are in Salmon Arm. It is located at 3710 Trans-Canada Highway, SW, Salmon Arm.
Image by Alltrails.com
Enderby Cliffs Trail, Enderby, BC
The next stop on our tour is Enderby Cliffs which is 4.4 km from Enderby and 27 mins drive from the previous spot Salmon Arm.
Situated in the north Okanagan country, the cliff offers a breathtaking view of farms, rivers, and forests below and is part of the Provincial Park (Romano, 2019). The birdlife in this area is diverse and magnificent making it an ideal spot for birdwatchers.
The birds commonly seen nesting, eating, or flying in Enderby area includes- The Great Blue Heron, Canadian, And Snow Geese, Mallard Ducks, Ring-Necked Pheasants, Belted Kingfishers, Hummingbirds, American Robins, Golden Eagles, Bald Eagles, Osprey, Marsh Hawks, American Kestrels, Great Horned Owls, Pygmy Owls, Ravens, Turkey Vultures, and Cranes.
Explore the history of Enderby and the surrounding area-
Located in downtown Enderby, Enderby & District Museum & Archives is a great place to visit after birdwatching on Enderby Cliffs. It is about 4.3 km from the cliffs, roughly 7 mins drive. The museum exhibits the history and indigenous culture of Enderby and the surrounding area with permanent displays. It is open year-round, Tuesday through Saturday 12-4 PM and the entry is by donation.
Image by Tourism Vernon
Allan Brooks Nature Centre, Vernon, BC
The next stop on our Okanagan Birding Route lay only 5 min. south of Vernon. Sitting atop the hills and grasslands, the Allan Brooks Nature Centre offers stunning views of the surrounding landscapes; including the three local lakes and the four distinct ecosystems that make up the charming town of Vernon, BC. Immerse yourselves in the landscape and experience some of the best bird watching in the area. From Western Bluebirds to Tree Swallows the Allan Brooks Nature Centre plays home to numerous species of wildlife, especially birds! This location acts as both a migration stop as well as a wintering spot for rough-legged Hawks coming from the Arctic. Red-tailed and Swainson’s hawks can be seen soaring through the hills on the hunt and if you’re lucky you might even get to see a couple of Grey Partridges.
While here you can partake in numerous nature activities put on by Allan Brooks Nature Centre. With bird shows and exhibits, this location would act as a key learning experience for new bird watchers, as well as give people the chance to see all the species in their natural habitat and get up close to some of the observed birds. Bring a picnic and immerse yourself in your bird watching experience.
Image by BC Parks
Monte Lake, BC
On the way back to Kamloops from Vernon is the Monte Lake Provincial Park, which is located roughly halfway between Vernon and Kamloops, gives the perfect opportunity for one last stop.
The lake is surrounded by hills covered in Ponderosa Pine, protected by the provincial park rules (Monte Lake Provincial Park, N.D.). The lake is known for great fishing, but the area is full of wildlife in the air as well.
This is a great location to enjoy nature and relax on the beach after a day of bird watching to see a few more at the end of the day and enjoy what nature has to offer.